Authorities have arrested three individuals suspected of orchestrating violent attacks during the chaotic protests that rocked the country on June 25, leaving businesses looted, property destroyed, and several people injured.

In a statement issued on June 28, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest of the suspects John Mulingwa Nzau, alias Garang; Mark Amiani, alias Generali; and Francis Mutunge Mwangi, also known as Chebukati.

The three were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation on Friday, June 27, as they attempted to flee to the coastal region aboard a Mombasa-bound bus.

Detectives intercepted them at Konza City, where they are believed to have been heading to evade arrest.

According to the DCI, the suspects played a central role in mobilizing groups responsible for orchestrated violence, theft, and destruction of property.

Investigations point to the use of social media and other digital platforms to incite unrest under the pretext of exercising the right to peaceful protest.

"The suspects’ actions were calculated and intended to provoke chaos. Their operations were far from spontaneous they were methodically planned to disrupt public order and endanger lives,” the DCI noted.

The arrests came after a combination of digital forensics and eyewitness accounts linked the trio to the planning and execution of the day’s violence. The DCI has condemned their conduct as a deliberate attempt to hijack a constitutionally protected right for unlawful purposes.

“The trio’s conduct was in stark contrast to the intentions of peaceful demonstrators, who sought to express themselves within the confines of the law,” read part of the statement.

The violent protests left a trail of destruction, with several business premises vandalized and looted, and a number of people injured. The DCI emphasized that the suspects’ actions were not only criminal but also a direct threat to national stability.

The three suspects are set to be arraigned in court on Monday.

Meanwhile, the investigative agency revealed that more individuals believed to have been part of the planning and execution of the unrest have been identified and are being pursued.

“Investigations remain ongoing to ensure all those involved in the June 25 violence are held accountable,” the DCI affirmed.